Gianchandani cards 64, Tigers take lead at Mason Rudolph

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Auburn graduate student Ami Gianchandani fired an 8-under 64 in her Auburn debut to claim the individual lead at the Mason Rudolph Championship on Friday. She and Megan Schofill, who carded a 66 (-6), led the Tigers to the team lead through 18 holes at Vanderbilt Legends Club.

Auburn leads the event by three shots over Arizona State after recording an opening round 274 (-14), which ties the second lowest team round in program history. The Tigers carded 27 birdies as a team on Friday, which was the most of any school in the field.

"Our team has been working really hard in preparation for this event," Gianchandani said after the round. "I'm happy that it's starting to show. I had a blast playing with my teammates in a tournament for the first time and can't wait for more to come."
Gianchandani's first round with the Tigers since transferring from Yale was highlighted by a tournament leading nine birdies. The Watchung, New Jersey native was 3-under in both par-3 scoring and par-5 scoring on Friday. Her impressive opening round gives her a two-stroke lead individually.

Schofill had an exciting start to her final season on the Plains, as she recorded eight birdies on her way to a 6-under round. Schofill birdied two of her final three holes of the day to earn her a tie for second place individually. The Monticello, Florida native is 3-under in both par-4 and par-5 scoring through the opening round.

Casey Weidenfeld, who made her 11th consecutive team start on Friday, recorded a 71 (-1) in her first round which included three birdies on the opening nine. Weidenfeld is currently in the top-25 of the 96-player field, as she is in a tie for 23rd on the leaderboard.

Sophomore Katie Cranston was Auburn's final counting score on Friday, as she fired a 1-over 73 that included three birdies.

"Really impressed by our entire group for a great performance," said Auburn head coach Melissa Luellen. "Mason Rudolph is an event we look forward to every year and our team is very comfortable on this golf course."

Auburn will be paired with players from Arizona State and host school Vanderbilt on Saturday beginning at 10:09 a.m. CT off the first hole. Live scoring of the second round of the event will be available on Golfstat.com and the Golfstat mobile app.
 
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